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Thread: Enamelled Copper Wire

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
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    Default Enamelled Copper Wire

    Hi,

    Does anyone have a link for enamelled copper wire (to make jump rings) in the UK, please?

    Many Thanks!

    Karen

  2. #2
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    I get my wires from a company called wires.co.uk - specialist in craft wire, knitted craft wire, silver wire, enamelled copper, resistance wires, stainless steel, plated wires and many more! The thing with enamelled copper wire is that the enamelling does come off, so you need to be careful how you make your jump rings.
    Jules

  3. #3
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    Jules is spot on. Wires.co.uk are great for all sorts of wire, but coated or enamelled wires aren't really ideal for making jump rings. They look great to start with, but at every point the coating has been cut, it's at risk of chipping off, and it ends up looking pretty tatty. Better to stick to bare copper or silver. If you want colours, you can get a lot of variation by oxidising to different degrees, or use anodised titanium or niobium (bought in - these can't be cut with a KK) as accent rings.

  4. #4
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    Thanks for the tip Can you buy anodised titanium or niobium wire in the UK?

    I've got lots of questions. I'm learning and taking notes

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Karenl View Post
    Thanks for the tip Can you buy anodised titanium or niobium wire in the UK?

    I've got lots of questions. I'm learning and taking notes
    Not easily. And you can't easily cut it yourself either - it's far too hard for any cutting system and most saw blades too. Most commercially produced rings of this type are flush cut.

  6. #6
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    Try Beads UK - Beadsisters and others, if you Google 'anodized niobium'. Also Rio Grande and Reactive Metals will send it from USA.
    In fact the world is your oyster. Kind regards Dennis.

  7. #7
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    I don't see wire in any of those UK shops Dennis? I know Emma Ralph has a couple of colours - Niobium and Titanium Jewellery Findings - but the others only sell pre-cut rings as far as I'm aware.

    You still can't use a Koil Kutter with it though

  8. #8
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    Apr 2010
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    It's a shame the Koil Kutter doesn't work with the anodized wire. Does the cutter work with enamelled copper wire? Sorry for the million questions Where can I buy different thickness copper wire from for jump rings? I've noticed there are different types if this wire too. Non tarnish? etc. Is the non tarnish the best wire? Or does the non tarnish wear off over time or if tumbled?

    Thanks!

    Karen

  9. #9
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    Karen, Karen - slow down!

    I don't know how much maille you've already done (you haven't actually introduced yourself to the forum at all), but it sounds like you're still on quite a steep learning curve. Start with some bare copper wire in a few different gauges - I'd recommend wires.co.uk, and try their 0.8mm, 1mm, 1.25mm and 1.6mm to begin with. This is the right page - wires.co.uk : Bare Copper Wire

    When you're happy with how it's going, get some sterling wire and try that.

    You can cut enamelled wire with a KK, but as I and others have already said, the results will not be great, and won't be durable either. Well constructed maille is genuinely beautiful, and takes far too long to be thrown away on cheap plated wire. Stick to pure metals whenever possible.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
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    Hi George,

    I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself I'm new to chain maille. I came across a site selling chain maille kits in January and since then I have made a few pieces, byzantine, european 4 in 1. Ronda a la byzantine, japanese lace, tryzantine, flowers. I'm loving it! I'm about to start dragonscale. I've tried the other designs in a few different metals, sterling, gold fill and both gold and silver plated to practice. I haven't tried copper yet.

    I totally agree. Chain maille (IMO) looks best in precious metals. Really stunning. I have three daughters. I wanted to try a few designs in coloured metals. Simple nothing too complicated as like you say it would be a waste of time if they just fell apart. It's nice to have the option of colour.

    Thanks for your comments. My pen is showing steam writing down notes.

    Karen

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